Facile synthesis of three-dimensional porous interconnected carbon matrix embedded with Sb nanoparticles as superior anode for Na-ion batteries

Abstract

The development of high-performance Na-ion batteries in order to meet the increasing demand of the industrial applications of energy storage requires low cost and large-scale preparation methods for battery electrodes with outstanding performance. In this work, we have designed a novel anode of three-dimensional porous interconnected carbon matrix embedded with Sb nanoparticles (Sb ⊂ 3DPC) via a scalable and facile polymer-blowing and galvanic replacement route. This designed electrode architecture provides large surface areas, large pore volumes and interconnected pore frameworks, supplying enlarged interface of the electrolyte and electrode, reducing the diffusion pathway and inhibiting the volume expansion of Sb during cyclic movement. The as-prepared Sb ⊂ 3DPC anode shows high Na-storage performance, such as an outstanding cycle stability (461 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 over 200 cycles) and exceptional high rate capability (349 mA h g−1 at 5000 mA g−1). As for the application in the full Na-ion batteries, the assembled Sb ⊂ 3DPC//Na3V2(PO4)3 full cell also shows remarkable rate capability. Such polymer-blowing-based approach provides a low cost, uncomplicated and large scale preparation method for porous and stable electrode materials and opens up a wide horizon in other electrochemical applications.